T Shirts: Sunspel/Mr. P/Son of a tailor
First, I wanted to say that idea to photoshoot two white t-shirts looked better before we did it. I saw it somewhere on a different blog, and it seemed promising, but now it feels like two same t-shirts. So anyway, try to pretend they're not the same (which are not) and focus more on notes.
I always wanted to know the difference between brands and between different price points. What pays off, what is better etc. Even if there can be a huge subjective feeling, some things can be judged.
I decided to compare my favourite t-shirts. The first from Mr. P - the brand that online multi-brand MrPorter.com launched some years ago, Sunspel - quintessential British maker of clothing (especially underwear) and online configurator of MTO and MTM clothes Son of a Tailor.
Son of a Tailor is a brand I have wanted to try for a long time – MTM and, therefore, MTO t-shirts sound exciting, and they are definitely worth a try for me so I can review them. I already tried them at the beginning of the year as they had a new active t-shirt made from some recycled materials and merino wool. The test went great, and I loved the shirt, whether running or snowboarding.
So I ordered a regular mid-weight cotton t-shirt in black to start with. I set the required fit to be a bit tighter but not too tight. Wearing this, I might say that I should go a bit less tight, but it's nothing that would be uncomfortable. You see in photos that it may have some wrinkles – as a t-shirt will always have, especially if you have roped shoulder as I do.
I certainly recommend Son of a tailor as your new t-shirt supplier because their fit is fantastic, and of course, you can alter the algorithm whether you desire a tighter or wider fit and where exactly. For example, as a bodybuilder, you can have a large chest but a smaller waist. The "biggest" difference you can see on sleeves. They are close to my biceps - gently hugging my arm.
For sure, this is not my last piece from Son of a tailor; wool t-shirts, pique henleys, and more are waiting to be rediscovered. I also like the pleasant price point – without arguing, for MTO this is good, and they also offer some discounts if you buy more garments. As they save material and the planet, you save money. Lovely.
Sunspel, as already mentioned, is a quintessential British brand, very favourite among other bloggers and stylists, definitely a bit higher price point.
Their boxer shorts are excellent from my experience, but now we focus on t-shirts: smooth, comfortable cotton is the first thing you'll notice when you hold the t-shirt in your hands. In addition, they pay attention to the design, meaning all seams are made with care and to the details.
Also, the seams are not very robust, should you decide to wear the t-shirt as underwear under the shirt, for example, so it doesn't irritate the skin anywhere.
They have a few fits; a classic t-shirt is more or less like a regular fit, and a tighter one which is suitable for wearing as underwear. I remember having a look at both in the Sunspel store in London, but I can't remember any big difference except the fit.
Also, I got the feeling that their regular t-shirts are pretty large, in my opinion, but perhaps that was only my perception of a certain model. Still, I would like to try Riviera polo short someday.
Mr. P. Priced less than both mentioned brands, it provides a great looking t-shirt. I remember exchanging Small for Extra small as it was a bigger regular fit than expected. Still, I don't feel XS it's too tight. But size small looked truly big on me, which is rare.
Except for this, you must get used to the neckline as it is slightly different from how it looks on other t-shirts. It took me a few wear but then I like how it looks, for example with my shawl collar cardigan.
Having said that, the fit is not fitted; there's definitely freedom of movement with a vintage touch when worn tucked in as more material is coming out.
Anyway, let me know which one you like - again, sorry for those white looking almost the same. Tell me if you already have some of them at home and what your experiences are and also, what else are your favourite in the wardrobe.
All the best,
Denis
